After criticizing the European Broadcasting Union and Eurovision’s voting system, San Marino’s participation in Eurovision 2026 remains unconfirmed. Is another country about to withdraw from the contest?

San Marino finished last in the grand final of the most recent Eurovision with the song “Tutta L’italia” (“All of Italy”), performed by Gabry Ponte. Following this result, the country expressed strong reservations about Eurovision’s current voting system, and—unlike some other countries—was also openly critical of the jury voting process. Now, Roberto Sergio, CEO of the national broadcaster of San Marino, has revealed new information regarding the microstate’s possible participation in Eurovision 2026.

At a press conference held to mark the opening of a new studio for San Marino’s national broadcaster, Sergio stated that last year’s San Marino pre-selection show, the “San Marino Song Contest,” was a tremendous success and helped raise San Marino’s profile internationally. Nevertheless, the country, alongside several other smaller nations, has raised concerns about both the jury and public voting procedures at Eurovision.

Sergio noted that, despite ongoing uncertainty about San Marino’s participation in Eurovision 2026, the country will be involved in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest: “The decision to participate in Junior Eurovision 2025 should be seen by the European Broadcasting Union as a gesture of goodwill and openness—perhaps paving the way for possible participation in Eurovision 2026.” He also confirmed that San Marino’s representative for Junior Eurovision will be selected in September.

San Marino is not the only country in Europe to voice criticism of Eurovision’s voting system. However, unlike some other nations, San Marino’s complaints are not focused specifically on the Israeli case, but rather take issue with the overall nature of the voting process.